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Air conditioner problem



 
 
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  #1  
Old August 20th 06, 10:57 PM posted to rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer
Dave[_5_]
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Posts: 15
Default Air conditioner problem

1999 Explorer Limited, v8, 2wd, climate control, Florida

Yesterday evening when we went out the air didn't seem to be very cool.
We didn't go far so I just brushed it off. Today, in the heat of the
day, it seemed to be cooler outside the car than in it. I just did
minimal investigation, I started the engine and looked at the compressor
clutch. The clutch cycled at about 3 second intervals in and out. I
disconnected the pressure switch (?hi or low?) and the clutch
de-energized completely until I reconnected it.
Any ideas before I spend 'big bucks'?

TIA,
Dave
--
Diving is life! The rest is just details.
W.W.W.I.
Ads
  #2  
Old August 21st 06, 12:09 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer
Happy Traveler
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Posts: 93
Default Air conditioner problem

Fast cycling typically indicates low refrigerant charge. Your system has a
leak somewhere. Not unusual for a 7-8 year old vehicle. The proper way to
deal with it is to have a professional find the source of the leak, repair
and recharge. I will leave improvisation advice to other members of this
group...

"Dave" > wrote in message news:WU4Gg.11040
....
> I started the engine and looked at the compressor clutch. The clutch

cycled at about 3
> second intervals in and out...



  #3  
Old August 21st 06, 05:21 PM posted to rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer
Dave[_5_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 15
Default More on: Air conditioner problem

Dave wrote:

I put a gauge on the low side. At 25lbs the clutch energizes and cuts
out at 45 lbs (readings are approximate) still cycling at about 3 second
intervals.
From here where should I go?

TIA,
Dave

> 1999 Explorer Limited, v8, 2wd, climate control, Florida
>
> Yesterday evening when we went out the air didn't seem to be very cool.
> We didn't go far so I just brushed it off. Today, in the heat of the
> day, it seemed to be cooler outside the car than in it. I just did
> minimal investigation, I started the engine and looked at the compressor
> clutch. The clutch cycled at about 3 second intervals in and out. I
> disconnected the pressure switch (?hi or low?) and the clutch
> de-energized completely until I reconnected it.
> Any ideas before I spend 'big bucks'?
>
> TIA,
> Dave



--
Diving is life! The rest is just details.
W.W.W.I.
  #4  
Old August 22nd 06, 02:02 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer
JohanB
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Posts: 19
Default More on: Air conditioner problem

Traveler was right , usually low on freon, look for hose connections that
have a oily residue,
Check if the clutch is oily etc.

Have a a/c mechanic pull a vacuum and if it passes add dye and freon and
check after a few days/weeks


"Dave" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Dave wrote:
>
> I put a gauge on the low side. At 25lbs the clutch energizes and cuts
> out at 45 lbs (readings are approximate) still cycling at about 3 second
> intervals.
> From here where should I go?
>
> TIA,
> Dave
>
> > 1999 Explorer Limited, v8, 2wd, climate control, Florida
> >
> > Yesterday evening when we went out the air didn't seem to be very cool.
> > We didn't go far so I just brushed it off. Today, in the heat of the
> > day, it seemed to be cooler outside the car than in it. I just did
> > minimal investigation, I started the engine and looked at the compressor
> > clutch. The clutch cycled at about 3 second intervals in and out. I
> > disconnected the pressure switch (?hi or low?) and the clutch
> > de-energized completely until I reconnected it.
> > Any ideas before I spend 'big bucks'?
> >
> > TIA,
> > Dave

>
>
> --
> Diving is life! The rest is just details.
> W.W.W.I.



  #5  
Old August 22nd 06, 02:06 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer
Jim Warman
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Posts: 630
Default More on: Air conditioner problem

First thing ro do is realize that you cannot diagnose AC concerns from only
low side pressures.... Your low side pressures aren't doing anything
abnormal. What is abnormal is the rapid clutch cycling times.... and the
most common (but not the only) cause of rapid cycling is a low refrigerant
charge...

The correct way to proceed from a proper diagnosis of a low charge (using
both high and low side gauges), would be to fecover the refrigerant and pull
a deep vacuum on the system. Once vacuum reaches ~27 inches, the pump is
turned off and the valves closed and we observe the gauges... If and how
fast the vacuum drops will have a bearing on our repair strategy.

Venting refrigerant of any sort to atmosphere is illegal in my province -
something I agree with and will support to my last breath (think about
it....). Topping off with cans from Partz R Us has the possibility of
causing system damage (especially in the case of a misdiagnosis) or
contributing to pollution.

While I applaud and even help DIYers with auto repairs (and saving money),
some auto repair efforts are inappropriate for those without specialized
knowledge and equipment.


  #6  
Old August 22nd 06, 07:27 PM posted to rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer
Dave[_5_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 15
Default More on: Air conditioner problem

Jim Warman wrote:

> First thing ro do is realize that you cannot diagnose AC concerns from only
> low side pressures.... Your low side pressures aren't doing anything
> abnormal. What is abnormal is the rapid clutch cycling times.... and the
> most common (but not the only) cause of rapid cycling is a low refrigerant
> charge...
>
> The correct way to proceed from a proper diagnosis of a low charge (using
> both high and low side gauges), would be to fecover the refrigerant and pull
> a deep vacuum on the system. Once vacuum reaches ~27 inches, the pump is
> turned off and the valves closed and we observe the gauges... If and how
> fast the vacuum drops will have a bearing on our repair strategy.
>
> Venting refrigerant of any sort to atmosphere is illegal in my province -
> something I agree with and will support to my last breath (think about
> it....). Topping off with cans from Partz R Us has the possibility of
> causing system damage (especially in the case of a misdiagnosis) or
> contributing to pollution.
>
> While I applaud and even help DIYers with auto repairs (and saving money),
> some auto repair efforts are inappropriate for those without specialized
> knowledge and equipment.
>
>

Jim, thanks and I wholeheartedly agree!
I took it in this morning and, after professional troubleshooting, the
problem was determined to be minor..... A minor hole in the evaporator.
New evaporator, dryer etc. and I will be able to pick it up this evening!

Dave

--
Diving is life! The rest is just details.
W.W.W.I.
  #7  
Old August 23rd 06, 04:00 AM posted to rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer
Jim Warman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 630
Default More on: Air conditioner problem

Dave... I'm happy for two reasons.... first, you didn't call me a lecturing
bastuhd (even though I can be...).... second, you'll be on the road and COOL
for less than you originally figured...

Everyone wins!!!!



 




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